Amateur Ripon horse lover makes race debut - at Yorkshire Racecourse!

Graham Chalmers

Forget the recent exploits of Victoria Pendleton, when it comes to brave moves for inexperienced jockeys a company secretary from North Yorkshire has the ex-cycling champion beaten hands down.

Christine Swiers, from Norton-le-Clay, near Ripon has never ridden in a horse race in her life - yet she is all set to make her debut as a jockey in the biggest charity race day in the world.

Christine is one of 12 riders taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual race at York Racecourse on Saturday, June 11.

She said: “I love horses and have been riding since childhood but I have never ridden in a race before, so this is a massive ask. Without a doubt this is the biggest personal challenge of my life “

Bearing in mind the race is more than 1 mile 1 furlong and the crowd at the famous Knavesmire course will number 28,000 people, Christine has adopted a rigorous training regime.

She is preparing for the race by riding out three days a week with Ann and George Duffield at their Sun Hill Farm Stables at Constable Burton, near Leyburn.

Christine, who is married to former leading amateur jockey Stephen Swiers, isn’t making things easy for herself. She said: “Just to add to the pressure, I am riding the Tim Easterby trained horse Relight My Fire which was ridden to victory in the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity Race last year by owner, breeder Mr Johnathon Gill.”

Anyone who would like to support Christine’s charity should visit her Just Giving page